Podcasts about berroco

When Knit Picks was founded by husband and wife team Kelly and Bob Petkun in 2002, the company began with a mail-order catalog and soon added online purchasing. Buying yarn online seemed both strange and inevitable: knitters began choosing yarns that they could only see onscreen, in the early days of functional search engines, at a time when many people had internet only at the office if at all. But for crafters who lacked easy access to a local yarn store or even a big-box craft store, being able to order craft supplies online broadened the horizons of knitting. After carrying other companies' yarns for several years, the Petkuns began working directly with mills in South America to create yarn lines that were exclusive to Knit Picks. Several of their first yarns, including Wool of the Andes, Andean Treasure, and Alpaca Cloud, are still available (though the Butterfly Kisses eyelash yarn that was a staple of the early 2000's has been discontinued). With the success of their exclusive yarns, Knit Picks began working with manufacturers to create their own tools, most significantly an extensive range of knitting needles. Sustainability-Minded Yarns By making their yarns available directly to knitters, Knit Picks was able to keep their prices low and developed a reputation for affordability. Perhaps less well known, though, have been their efforts to offer sustainably produced yarns. In this episode, Alexis Wilson explains that the company recently completed the process to certify their warehouse to the Responsible Wool Standard, the last link in the chain that makes their 100% US-made High Desert yarn line fully RWS-certified. High Desert yarns use Shaniko Wool, sourced from ranches that meet multiple environmental and social responsibility standards and are demonstrated to capture carbon in the soil. Even before the official RWS certification, Alexis observes, Knit Picks purchased their wool, alpaca, and mohair from certified Responsible Alpaca Standard, Responsible Mohair Standard, and RWS sources. In addition to natural-fiber yarns, they have added several lines that use innovative methods of recycling or reclaiming waste fibers: Oceana (https://www.knitpicks.com/yarn/oceana/c/5420504), which features Seaqual Upcycled Marine Plastic; Salvage (https://www.knitpicks.com/yarn/salvage/c/5420505), which contains recycled cotton; and Samia (https://www.knitpicks.com/yarn/samia/c/5420462), which includes cupro, a silky fiber made from waste cotton produced in a closed-loop process. The environmental concern extends to their wooden needles, which are made from sustainably harvested forests. For Every Knitter (and Dyer and Weaver and Spinner) Although “knit” is right in the name, Knit Picks offers products for other crafts as well (and not just through their sister brand Crochet.com (https://www.crochet.com/)). In addition to finished yarns, Knit Picks offers the Bare (https://www.knitpicks.com/yarn/bare-dye-your-own/c/300110) line of popular yarns ready to be dyed by consumers, as well as a variety of natural and synthetic dye products (https://www.knitpicks.com/accessories/yarn-dyes/c/300508). Spinners can select the wool blends used in some popular Knit Picks yarns as processed wool tops (https://www.knitpicks.com/3001/filter-products?Category=Roving) to make their own yarns. For weavers and machine knitters, the popular Dishie cotton comes on cones as well as in balls, and Alexis reveals that some weights of their staple yarns Wool of the Andes and Palette will be offered on cones soon, too. For nearly 20 years, Knit Picks produced almost every product offered on the site. In recent years, though, they have started supplementing their offerings with select yarns that they believe customers would enjoy, such as Kelbourne Woolens Germantown and Baa Ram Ewe Woodnote. Alexis looks forward to adding yarns from Berroco in upcoming months. In this Spotlight Episode, discover the sustainable side of Knit Picks. Links KnitPicks.com (https://www.knitpicks.com/) High Desert (https://www.knitpicks.com/search?q=high%20desert&filter___category%5B0%5D=Yarn) yarn is Knit Picks's 100% made in America, fully traceable, Responsible Wool Standard-certified yarn featuring Shaniko Wool. Knit Picks's Learning Center (https://www.knitpicks.com/learning-center) includes information about the company and its products as well as knitting instruction and links to the podcast and blog. The Freebies (https://www.knitpicks.com/freebies) page includes a delightful collection of printable tags, care instructions, cheat sheets, and other knitting information you didn't know you needed. This episode is brought to you by: KnitPicks.com has been serving the knitting community for over 20 years and believes knitting is for everyone, which is why they work hard to make knitting accessible, affordable, and approachable. Knit Picks responsibly sources its fiber to create an extensive selection of affordable yarns like High Desert from Shaniko Wool Company in Oregon. Are you looking for an ethical, eco-friendly yarn to try? Look no further than Knit Picks' Eco yarn line. Need needles? Knit Picks makes a selection for knitters right at their Vancouver, Washington headquarters. KnitPicks.com (https://www.knitpicks.com/)—a place for every knitter.

Ep 119 recorded  7/14/23 - Tour de Fleece FOs Tanwen cowl for my neighbor, the winner of my prize drawing for all the Knit For Food Knitathon donators WIPs Hitchhiker #8? 9? In Lion Briand Shawl in a Ball (discontinued).  This is a simple garter stitch shawl by Martina Behm. Snowflake Sweater Scarf using Big Twist Heather in Grey bought at Joann's, I'm onto the 3rd section Davit designed for Berroco by Amy Palmer, knit using Silk Noir by Great Adirondack Yarn Co bought at Rhinebeck last year. This was a project from before my wrist surgery. Spinning Tour de Fleece is in full swing and I'm on my 4th bobbin of some old, cheap cotton that I bought 1 pound of (just under half a kilo) at a festival many years ago.  On the Run Ballet class got delayed but started up again last week I've Got Sunshine Cheers to finding a new veterinarian.  

Ep 115 recorded  4/30/23 All the Fails WIPs Socks for Thing 1 – I turned the heel and ran into trouble, more on that later. Davit designed for Berroco by Amy Palmer, knit using Silk Noir by Great Adirondack Yarn Co bought at Rhinebeck last year. I finished one side's short rows and all I have left to do is the other side's short rows and sew the back edges to the shoulders.  So close! Find Your Fade designed by Andrea Mowry, knit in Midori Bamboo from The Fiber Lady in a discontinued colorway, plus cotton/bamboo sportweight from Great Adirondack Yarn Co.  Tanwen cowl (Ravelry)– designed by Thayer Preece Parker.  This is the prize for the Knit For Food Knitathon winner.  I'm working it up in Lana Grossa Elastico, a plant-based yarn with elastic in it so it works cables beautifully.   Summer Happiness Crochet Top designed by Concept Creative in Scheepjes Whirl in the color Sherbert Rainbow, a pastel rainbow from pink to blue.   Knitting Fail Thing 1's socks -so proud of myself turning the heel walking from the Washington Monument to the Capitol Building when I realized the sock didn't look right.  I'd grabbed the wrong needles!  I meant to use US 2 (2.75mm) but I grabbed US 1s (2.25mm).   Tanwen – I worked on this a lot riding the DC Metro and while driving with friends to the Air and Space Museum out at Dulles, the one with Space Shuttle Discovery.  This pattern is an 8-row repeat that is easy to memorize, but the cable pattern is tight.  It's easy to think, oh, the next right side row is the cable row, it doesn't need a cable yet.  Wrong, it is the cable row, rip it back. Summer Happiness – I'm on the 3rd of 4 repeats that make up this top and at this point the rows are getting long.  And while on the train to DC I finished one row and got nearly to the end of a second when I realized that I had screwed up way back near the beginning of the previous row.  And it wasn't a mistake I could fudge around, there weren't enough holes in the resulting fabric to place all the next row's stitches.  So I had to rip back alllllll my work.  Grrrrr.  Spinning More progress on my current spin, some beautiful green lightly-speckled cotton from Buchanan Fiber. I brought my Nano2 on the trian on our visit to DC. It worked like a charm!  I finished the 2nd bobbin and as of today I'm nearly done with the 3rd.  I hope to finish it this week. On the Run We walked soooooooo many miles in Washington DC – 9 miles alone our first full day!   Out and About – upcoming Fiber Events around New England NH Sheep and Wool – May 13 & 14 MA Sheep and Woolcraft Fair - May 27-28, Memorial Day Weekend Maine Fiber Frolic – June 3 & 4 I've Got Sunshine As I've mentioned several times, we went to Washington DC last week for school vacation.  What I didn't say is that one of my childhood besties lives down there.  We got to hang out at least a little every day and it was marvelous.  She and I even snuck away for dinner one night, leaving all the kids with our husbands, and we got a little girl time in

Ep 115 recorded  4/28/23 FOs Socks for Thing 2, the second sock is done! Crochet square for Liberty Crochet Mural.  Today I mailed my square to Vermont.  WIPs Socks for Thing 1 – I knit socks for him for Christmas and already they don't fit.   Songe d'été – Ravelry Link (Summer Dreams) designed by Dreaming In Chocolate Designs, knit using Linea Pura Unico yarn by Lana Grossa (discontinued)  Davit designed for Berroco by Amy Palmer, knit using Silk Noir by Great Adirondack Yarn Co bought at Rhinebeck last year. I've reached the short rows for the back, I'm nearly done! Find Your Fade designed by Andrea Mowry, knit in Midori Bamboo from The Fiber Lady in a discontinued colorway, plus cotton/bamboo sportweight from Great Adirondack Yarn Co.   Knitting Fail About ½ an inch down I'd missed the dropped YO and that made a corner I didn't want.   Spinning More progress on my current spin, some beautiful green lightly-speckled cotton from Buchanan Fiber.  On the Run Not much fitness this week.  I pulled a muscle.  Did you know you have muscles in between each of your ribs?  I totally didn't.   Out and About – upcoming Fiber Events around New England CT Sheep and Wool - April 29 NH Sheep and Wool – May 13 & 14 MA Sheep and Woolcraft Fair - May 27-28, Memorial Day Weekend Maine Fiber Frolic – June 3 & 4 I've Got Sunshine We've had lovely weather the last few weeks, so I pulled out my deck planters early and put a few pansies in them and it's really cheered me up.

Ep 114 recorded  3/31/23 Suddenly it's April and wow, where has this year gone already?  Knitathon update - $340,000!!!! That's $85,000 each to Meals on Wheels, No Kid Hungry, World Central Kitchen and Feeding America. FOs Socks for Thing 2 – his Christmas socks -  I unraveled the leg on both and I started re-doing the legs in 2x2 ribbing.  The first sock is done! WIPs Socks for Thing 1 – I knit socks for him for Christmas and already they don't fit.   Socks for Thing 2 – 2nd sock leg restarted Songe d'été – Ravelry Link (Summer Dreams) designed by Dreaming In Chocolate Designs, knit using Linea Pura Unico yarn by Lana Grossa (discontinued) a linen/bamboo blend bought at Webs a few years ago.   Davit designed for Berroco by Amy Palmer, knit using Silk Noir by Great Adirondack Yarn Co bought at Rhinebeck last year.  Summer Happiness Crochet Top designed by Concept Creative in Scheepjes Whirl in the color Sherbert Rainbow, a pastel rainbow from pink to blue.   Find Your Fade designed by Andrea Mowry, knit in Midori Bamboo from The Fiber Lady in a discontinued colorway, plus cotton/bamboo sportweight from Great Adirondack Yarn Co.  I'm fading on my own schedule and not on the one written in the pattern.   Frog Princess Dress Blanket designed by Carol Hladik, a Princess Tiana-inspired  blanket crocheted using Joann's Big Twist acrylic yarn.  Making this for a local charity to raffle off this fall.   On the Run Walking in warm weather – saw a housefire!  Family and dogs are fine. Out and About – upcoming Fiber Events around New England Stitches @ Home – April 1&2 – this weekend! CT Sheep and Wool - April 29 NH Sheep and Wool – May 13 & 14 MA Sheep and Woolcraft Fair - May 27-28, Memorial Day Weekend Maine Fiber Frolic – June 3 & 4 I've Got Sunshine Seed starting with my youngest.  He's my gardener.  10 days ago we transplanted 20 lettuce seedlings then started 184 herbs, veggies and greens.  

Ep 113 recorded  3/16/23 Marching On Welcome back!  I just had a statistic pop up telling me that 2 days ago was my 6th podiversary.  Wow! Knit For Food Knitathon I'm back for a 3rd year – can you please donate $5? No one deserves to be hungry. WIPs Songe d'été – Ravelry Link (Summer Dreams) designed by Dreaming In Chocolate Designs, knit using Linea Pura Unico yarn by Lana Grossa (discontinued). Davit designed for Berroco by Amy Palmer, knit using Silk Noir by Great Adirondack Yarn Co  Summer Happiness Crochet Top designed by Concept Creative in Scheepjes Whirl in the color Sherbert Rainbow Find Your Fade designed by Andrea Mowry, knit in Midori Bamboo from The Fiber Lady in a discontinued colorway, plus cotton/bamboo sportweight from Great Adirondack Yarn Co.   Knitting Fail Really, a crochet fail.  My brain has been a sieve and I kept screwing up the Summer Happiness top.  It's a problem with me, not with the pattern.   Spinning More progress on my current spin, some beautiful green lightly-speckled cotton from Buchanan Fiber. Unfortunately, Buchanan Fiber closed a year or two ago which is sad because I love their cotton slivers. On the Run Adult ballet class, so much fun.  Students from 30 to 84! Out and About – upcoming Fiber Events around New England CT Sheep and Wool - April 29 NH Sheep and Wool – May 13 & 14 MA Sheep and Woolcraft Fair - May 27-28, Memorial Day Weekend Stitches @ Home – April 1&2 Maine Fiber Frolic – June 3 & 4 I've Got Sunshine I bought ballet slippers for class and it was the same store I shopped at as a kid in the 1990s.  So excited to find them still open and doing business.  Shout out to Dancer's Drawer in Attleboro, MA.

Ep 112 recorded  3/1/23 Back from a Break Hey all, long time no talk.  I'd planned to take a few weeks off and it just… stretched.  The truth is I'd lost my mojo, not in podcasting but in knitting, and it's really hard to run a knitting podcast when you're hardly knitting.  WIPs Songe d'été – Ravelry Link (Summer Dreams) designed by Dreaming In Chocolate Designs, knit using Linea Pura Unico yarn by Lana Grossa (discontinued)  Davit designed for Berroco by Amy Palmer, knit using Silk Noir by Great Adirondack Yarn Co  Frog Princess Dress Blanket by Carol Hladik, a Princess Tiana-inspired  blanket crocheted using Joann's Big Twist acrylic yarn.   Summer Happiness Crochet Top designed by Concept Creative in Scheepjes Whirl in the color Sherbert Rainbow Knitting Fail Summer Dreams had a big setback while I was in Florida.   Spinning I brought my Nano 2 from Dreaming Robots to Florida with me.  I love it! On the Run I hit a major milestone on Monday, I swam MORE than 1/3 of a mile!  I swam 650 yards (594m).  Out and About – upcoming Fiber Events around New England Farm and Fiber Days at Wayland Winter Farmer's Market is March 5, this Sunday at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland, MA. CT Sheep and Wool - April 29 NH Sheep and Wool – May 13 & 14 MA Sheep and Woolcraft Fair - May 27-28, Memorial Day Weekend Stitches @ Home – April 1&2 Maine Fiber Frolic – June 3 & 4   Knit For Food Knitathon I'm back for a 3rd year – can you please donate $5? No one deserves to be hungry. I've Got Sunshine We went to Florida last week for school vacation and basically spent the week hanging out at my in-law's pool and playing board games  It was super relaxing and the rest we all needed. 

Link to show notes. 

Jenn and Julie talk about their knitting, have an interview with Shelley Brander, author of Move the Needle, and a new give-away! Finished Objects: Jenn: Christmas Socks Jenn: Green and Black Socks in Bis-Sock What we are working on: Jenn: Kiki in Owl (Tawny) Julie: Goosey Socks Julie: Ranunculus in Kestrel Julie: Fingerless Mitts in Maine Yarn Sock Jenn: Sharon’s Glamping Blanket in Berroco […]

In this episode, we talk about what we have finished this week (from the comfort of our own homes, of course)! Tune in to hear about how no accomplishment is too small during this time in our lives. Crossing anything off your list feels great, even if it is "make a list" on your Things To Do! And just a reminder that Berroco, one of our favorite yarn manufacturers, has started direct shipping to you! All you have to do is call Finely The Knitting Corner to place your order and pay, we will contact Berroco, and Berroco will ship your yarn straight to your door! We hope you enjoyed our podcast, thanks for listening!

I hope you and your families are safe and healthy! What I've Finished:Jill spun and plied the rest of her Wonderland Dyeworks 80/20 Merino/Silk braid in the Rain Storm.  She got 357 yards out of 4.3oz.  Her Rav page here.  She also crocheted a baby hat, Anupriya by Betsy Myles from the Berroco website.  She used Red Heart Heart & Sole self-striping yarn in Mellow Stripe.My Current Fix: Jill is working on Archer by Elizabeth Doherty out of FilandTropia Wise Fox Stellina in a purple orchid color and Forbidden Fiber Company Pride in Mist.  She's finished the body, and still has the sleeves to go.  Her Rav page here.  She's very close to finishing the Bacon & Eggs Booties by Kathie Popadin out of leftover Malabrigo Sock, Malabrigo Mechita and Pagewood Farms Chugiak.What I'm Jonesing for:Jill bought some Malabrigo Rios in Camel, and intends to use that with the Knit Picks Fable Fur to make a baby bomber jacket.  She's about to cast on any moment for a mosaic shawl by Lisa Hannes.  She is looking at the Herbarium and the Laurelie shawls.  There will be a knitalong for mosaic shawls, with the tag #shawlstayhomekal. She is impressed with the Frog and Toad pattern by Kristina Ingrid McGowan.  She likes the Sweetheart Bomber by Amy Appel.  The Volans Cardigan0 by Whitney Howard is currently free and awesome.  Jill likes the Arte Nuova top by Rachel Illsley and the Dissent Pullover by Andrea Rangel.  Two crochet afghans that Jill likes are the Succulent Spring Hexagon Afghan by Jennifer Pionk and the Confetti Blanket by Rachele Carmona.Uppers and Downers, and Miscellaneous Links:House, M.D.The Comeback on HBONext in Fashion on NetflixBetter Call SaulI Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson on NetflixBrooklyn TweedI also announce a few winners from the FIFO craftalong.  If I mention you, please contact me for a Ravelry pattern download of your choice, up to $10.

Episode 100!  See the giveaway thread in the Ravelry group to win a shawl, project bag, or batt!What We've Finished:Jill finished the Ribboned Crop Top by Ellen Coy from Interweave Knits, Winter 2020 out of Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky Superwash in Garnet Heather and Briar Heather.  Annie finished the April Hat by Courtney Kelley from the Year of Hats out of Kelbourne Woolens Germantown.  She also finished the Speedy Selbu Mittens by Skeindeer Knits out of Lett Lopi.  She also made a stockinette cowl out of Knit Picks Fable Fur in Bjern.Our Current Fix:Jill is working on Archer by Elizabeth Doherty in Filandtropia Wise Fox Stellina and Forbidden Fiber Co. Pride in Mist.  She is also still spinning the Wonderland Dyeworks 80/20 wool/silk in Rain Storm.  She's getting excited to do a Combo Spin with assorted fiber from the guild fiber exchange.  Annie is working on a Sockhead Slouch Hat by Kelly McClure using With Pointed Sticks Glitter Gel Pen yarn in the Mermaid colorway.What We're Jonesing For:Annie is looking at quilt patterns from Lella Boutique.  Jill is trying to find a baby pattern for a friend.  She's looking at the Bacon & Eggs Booties by Katie Popadin, Anupriya by Betsy Myles and Berroco, and Baby Yeti by Berroco.  She's also into the Spring into Summer, Rompers & Jacket by OGE Knitwear Designs and Koala by Claire Garland.  She loves two Valentine's Day themed hats, the Ebba Hat by Kristin Drysdale and the Love & Hearts Hat by Susan B. Anderson.Uppers, Downers and Miscellaneous Links:Diamond Art Painting - check out Annie's (petiteweaver) Instagram profile for a coupon/referral code. Sashiko Jacket for babies by Qing FibreSuede Baby Booties Knit (Baby Uggs)Baby Yoda for Babies by Arianna SolowayRunning Wild with Bear GryllsAlex HonnoldRuPaul's Drag RaceChilling Adventures of SabrinaDawn Kathryn Studios project bagsJoji & Co leather project bagsMealthy CrisplidThe Lighthouse (2019)Locke & KeyTo All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You (2020)Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn (2020)The Mandalorian

In Episode 67, Greg and Pam discuss counting, cautionary tales, and colorwork. Sponsors We are Knitcrate Ambassadors! Are you the kind of knitter who would enjoy receiving a surprise package of yarn in the mail every month? Then you need to sign up for a Knitcrate subscription. Every month, you will receive a selection of curated yarn, a pattern specifically paired to use with the yarn, and a treat. Use code KD20at checkout for 20% off your first package when you sign up for a subscription. FiberCrafty's  independently owned shops are stocked with yarn, fiber, project bags, stitch markers and more. With filter terms specific to yarn and fiber, the ability to save favorites, and a secure checkout process, it's better than a 24 hour fiber festival! For shop owners, our easy to use interface makes selling online easy. FiberCrafty is owned by one woman that has a crazy love of yarn and knitting. Greg's favorite feature? Pants are optional. Shop for your next project at FiberCrafty. Notes Dear Listeners We would love to have YOU record and introduction to the show! You can find details in the Ravelry Group Pages. Greg's Projects Greg started an Eklutna Lakeside Shawl by Mary Dickerson(pattern page). He is using Knitologie Worsted Merinoyarn in the Kestral colorway. Greg is getting ready to start a baby sweater that his wife's aunt probably started in the mid-70s. Pam's Projects Pam needed to re-block her RickRolland attempted to remove some dye that bled the first time she blocked it. It's a new color now! She mentions Synthrapol. Pam finished all the crochet on the Malia Bagby Rebecca Langford. Pam started and finished a KnittedKnockerfor a local woman who is having a mastectomy. She used the magic loop method and used Modern Cotton DK from Berroco. Pam also cast on the Interplay Shawfor the Back to School Colorwork CAL. She is using yarn from Dirty Water DyeWorks. Pam also worked on her CPCTCSocks by Sarah Jordan. Pam worked on the JulgranSweater by Andi Satterlund. She is using 100% superwash merino worsted from PassionKNITS Yarn. Pam finished spinning the 3rd singles from her merino spinning project. FiberCrafty LizaDee Originalsis a FiberCrafty shop that has beautifully hand dyed yarns The weekly FiberCrafty newsletteralways has a list of current coupon codes! And other fun stuff. Pam writes it, it's good. You should subscribe. Unraveling Podcast Group Updates Episode 65 Thread: Adding books to your Ravelry Libraryand Yarn Crawl Etiquette Greg enlightened us on how to mark a thread unread (look in right corner in the green ribbon across the very bottom of the page) Review Pam reviewed the Sirka Counter. The Opinionated Knitter(affiliate link) We skipped EZ this episode! Next time we will cover Leaflet #18, pages 90-93. Misc. Stuff Pam and Greg talked about a couple of ways to join in yarn including the Clasp Weft Join, the Russian Joinand using Fray Check(affiliate link). Hurricane Doriandidn't cause much trouble for Greg and Pam -- they are both far enough inland to be out of its path. Greg went to Atlanta and enjoyed a couple of Bravesgames and visiting the Georgia Aquarium. Greg is planning on going to the North Carolina Folk Festivalthis weekend. He's especially looking forward to seeing Booker T. Jones. Cheerwineis the South's unique cherry soft drink. Current/Upcoming Unraveling Events Don't forget our Elizabeth Zimmermann KAL! Have you made one of her patterns? Used a technique? Tell us about it! Are you ready for the Back to School Colorwork CAL? It started September 1 and the Ravelry thread is already hopping! The Fairs and Festivals KALis ongoing. Upcoming Events Where You Might Find Us Pam & Greg will be giving a talk about Elizabeth Zimmermann at the Ol' North State Knitting Guildon September 9 in Raleigh, NC. Greg is planning on going to SAFF, which runs from October 25-27. Greg intends to be there Friday and Saturday (25026).   Affiliate Link Disclosures This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link to Craftsy, Cooperative Press, Amazon, or Knitcrate and subsequently make a purchase, we'll receive a small commission from the sale. You pay the same, and the commissions will help cover our podcasting expenses. Our opinions are always our own, and we're never compensated to endorse any particular product or service. Find us all over the Internet Subscribe in iTunes: The Unraveling Podcast Podcast RSS Feed: Unraveling Podcast Twitter: @UnravelingPod Facebook: Unraveling Podcast Instagram: @UnravelingPodcast Ravelry Group: Unraveling Podcast Greg is KnittingDaddy on Ravelry, @KnittingDaddy on Instagram, and also writes the KnittingDaddy blog. Pam is pammaher on Ravelry, @FiberCrafty and @pammaher on Instagram, and owner of the FiberCrafty  marketplace.

New puppies, cute babies on pattern photos, and LOTS of discussion and conjecture about button bands, zippers, and grosgrain ribbon. Full notes with photos and links can be found in the podcast section of  our shop website: TwoEwesFiberAdventures.com Come join the community on Ravelry or become a patron and support the show on our Patreon Page. Save the Date for the Two Ewes Washington Coast Meet-up at  String Theory Yarn and Fiber in Seabrook, Washington, September 20-22. Here is an RSVP form so you can let us know if you’re coming! We want to make sure we have enough goodie bags for all. Find lodging for the weekend at Seabrook or in nearby Pacific Beach or Ocean Shores. Or join us for a day if you are nearby! Seabrook, Washington Thank you to Jean at  String Theory Yarn and Fiber for helping us put on this fun event! Marsha’s Projects I finished the Lace Market T-shirt by Marie Green using Schoppel-Wolle El Linio several weeks ago. The neckline was too big and yesterday I finally reknit it. Fits perfectly! The Schoppel-Wolle Das Paar socks are finished and they match just as promised. I also finished Fine Sand by Heidi Kirrmeier. Using Fibra Natura Unity. Fits great! I also cast on another pair of vanilla socks for my brother. Using Schahenmayr Regia Design Line by Arne & Carlos. I’m going to use Knitted Wit Smarties for the toes and heels. I recently ripped out the Neskowin Shell by Kay Hopkins. I changed her pattern and it didn’t work. Too heavy and too short. The yarn is Debbie Bliss Juliet and I am about to cast on the Lounging Top by Joji Locatelli. I’m making a hat for a friend that is going to be working in Antarctica. I plan to make 1898 Hat by Kristine Byrnes with worsted weight  Hazel Knits Cadence in the colorway Woodland. The pattern is on the Seamen’s Church Institute: Christmas at Sea. This seemed to be the perfect pattern for an adventurer and yarn is from Seattle. Kelly’s updates I swatched for Mariannes cardigan by Trine Bertelsen. The pattern has a crochet yoke, button band, and sleeve edging. I will modify it to be a pullover. I’ll be using Blue Heron Egyptian Mercerized Cotton spirit yarn from Tracy (littletownknitter). Also joined the Oh Gnome You Didn’t mystery gnome knit along. Pattern updates start in early September. Billions of baby socks!  Well, maybe not billions.  Six pairs are finished and I have another pair on the needles. Method 1:  I often use the same sock formula that I use for my own socks and do them top down with a heel flap of half the stitches. I usually use size US 2 needles and 32 stitches. To turn the heel I go two stitches past the center do a decrease, do one more stitch and turn. Then slip one, go five stitches, do a decrease, do one more stitch and turn. Now every row I slip one, knit to the gap created by the decrease, do a decrease across the gap, knit one more stitch, and turn. Repeat until all stitches are used. Then I pick up for the gussets and keep knitting.  A pattern, if you want one is Better-Than-Booties Baby Socks  Method 2: For the most recent socks I’ve been using a short row heel and it seems faster. I’ve been using Basically Perfect Baby Socks by Diana Burch as a guide for the short rows.  Listener Questions Yarngirl52 (Debbie) asked about adding a zipper, adding a shoulder button band for a toddler sweater, and finishing a button band. Should you use grosgrain ribbon or not; backer buttons or not. There are two ways to add a zipper to a sweater that doesn’t have one. One way is steeking to add a zipper to a sweater designed as a pullover, another is adding a zipper to a sweater instead of a button band. Kelly responds:  I haven’t ever done a steeked sweater, but I steeked for the Clover, Bee, and Revery pillow. The pillow was knit in the round with an extra 5 or 7 stitches that were where it was cut and folded over to create the left and right edges of the pillow top.  I did a crocheted steek where I crocheted up each edge before cutting. If I ever made another Cowichan-style sweater I think I would do it in the round and then steek it to put in the zipper. That way you avoid colorwork while purling.  I added a zipper instead of a button band to the Mielie vest that I made (pattern by Hilary Smith Callis). I made the button bands a little wider because I liked that look. I also changed the order of putting on the collar and button band so I could fold the collar down over the top edge of the zipper. I sewed the zipper in by hand and I actually just used yarn to do it. The zipper on the Orcas Run was sewn by hand with sewing thread. I pinned it on, zipped the zipper up to adjust the pinning if needed, then unzipped it again and made small stitches all around the edge of the zipper. What about adding a shoulder button band to a toddler sweater that doesn’t have one?  Bluebell Pullover doesn’t have a shoulder button band but has the envelope neckline that onesies have. To put a button band on a bottom up sweater would be straightforward. Instead of joining at the shoulders, just bind off (to provide structure) and then pick up for the button bands. One will need to have button holes put into it. I think I’d make it the front one, but it doesn’t really matter I don’t think. Putting a button band on a top down toddler sweater would be more tricky and would really depend on the construction of the sweater.  Another trick I like when I want to alter a pattern is to find a pattern with the thing I want to add and either make it first to figure out the construction, or read through it and see if I can visualize how to make the changes I want in the original sweater. For example Diggory from Berroco is an example. It has the neckline with button bands and could serve as a great model of what to do. Besides, the baby in the pattern photo couldn't be cuter. Go take a look--we promise it will make you smile! Marsha found some resources about adding grosgrain ribbon to the button bands of a sweater. Neither of us have ever done this, but we spend a lot of time speculating and decide to experiment with the technique on two of our sweaters.  Tips for adding ribbon to a sweater button band by Olive Knits.  Adding a ribbon backing to your knit button band by Ms. Cleaver  

Brainy thing:  13:40      Behind the Redwood Curtain:   19:10   What We’re Learning from Our Knitting: Margaret wonders if her yarn can hold negative energy on her Dragon’s Egg Socks by Anne Podlesak https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragons-egg-socks  from The Unofficial Harry Potter Knits.   Catherine faces harsh realities with the man’s pullover pattern, Andoa, https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/andoa-pullover ( free on Ravelry, from Nora Gaughan and done for Berroco).   Brainy Thing:  For decades the cerebellum has been overlooked but now it’s getting more attention into its role with higher order thinking:    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201810/cerebellum-studies-challenge-ancient-notions-how-we-think   https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181025142018.htm   Science Daily   npr  https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/10/25/660504533/the-underestimated-cerebellum-gains-new-respect-from-brain-scientists   Behind the Redwood Curtain: Catherine shares with us the secrets of Albino Redwoods and Chimera trees.    https://chimeraredwoods.com/         Today on Teaching Your Brain to Knit we report on  how the mighty "little brain", the cerebellum, has invaded our thinking processes, Margaret explores the question can bad energy permeate sock yarn, Catherine faces harsh reality with the Andoa pullover sweater and she shares the secrets of the rare Albino Redwoods.         Links: Facebook:  Also, join our Facebook Group  https://www.facebook.com/Teachingyourbraintoknitpodcast/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel Ravelry Group  http://www.ravelry.com/groups/teaching-your-brain-to-knit website https://teachingyourbraintoknit.com/ for show notes, photos of our knitting and crochet projects, Behind the Redwood Curtain places and things and anything else we decide to post. Instagram:   MargaretKelso for Margaret and MagicWombat1 for Catherine      

Brainy Thing: 13:22                  Behind the Redwood Curtain: 21:37   What We’re Learning from our Knitting (and Crochet) Margaret finished the crocheted blocks (from The Big Book of Granny Squares by Tracey Lord) for a lap blanket.  She finished #33, #133, #66 and #178 and two others she didn’t write down.  Now she plans to piece together the blocks with a stitch of some sort but she’s not sure what yet.  Finally she wants to felt it.  She hopes the finished results will be a nice felted blanket that she’ll donate to charity.  The yarns are  Valley Yarns  100 % Wool  Northampton Bulky Light Grey and Araucania Yarns Nature Wool  Chunky  Deep red/black  or black/red.  Her hook size was K.   Catherine is working on her template sweater or test sweater out of an inexpensive acrylic (Caron) for her son-in-law.   The name of the yarn is Yarnspirations by Caron Big Cakes in the Summer Berry Tart Colorway (gradient) out of 100% acrylic.   She’ll check against this sweater to be able to get accurate measurements and then make a new one out of a pricier yarn.  The one she’s doing now can also go to him as a house sweater or to charity.  The pattern, Andoa, https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/andoa-pullover is free on Ravelry, from Nora Gaughan for Berroco.   Brainy Thing Today Margaret discusses a mix of fun facts about the brain from https://www.livescience.com/12916-10-facts-human-brain.html with an update about a challenge to the myth of multi-tasking :   (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/creativity-without-borders/201405/the-myth-multitasking)   Behind the Redwood Curtain Catherine reports on an easy trail in Trinidad CA called Elk Head https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7029875/elk-head-trail with an option for the adventurous:   a terrifying spur call Megwil Point with an incredible up-high view of the beach and ocean.      A Little Podcast Business We have another give-away — a book of knitted baby hats and a commentary on Slow Podcasting which details our future plans for the podcast.     In this Episode of Teaching Your Brain to Knit we share some fun facts about the brain from its texture (like tofu) to the question of multitasking;  Margaret wonders how she’ll piece together her crocheted granny squares and Catherine reports her progress on her template sweater.  She also reveals a little known outcropping from the Elk Head Trail in Trinidadcalled Megwil Point.   We have another giveaway and we talk a little bit about Slow Podcasting and the future of our podcast.     Links: Facebook:  Also, join our Facebook Group  https://www.facebook.com/Teachingyourbraintoknitpodcast/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel Ravelry Group  http://www.ravelry.com/groups/teaching-your-brain-to-knit website https://teachingyourbraintoknit.com/ for show notes, photos of our knitting and crochet projects, Behind the Redwood Curtain places and things and anything else we decide to post. Instagram:   Margaret Kelso for Margaret and MagicWombat1 for Catherine          

Amy Palmer and Alison Green from the Berroco Yarn Design Team show you how to empower your cable knitting and get started with a "Choose Your Own Adventure Knitalong." They share details about this special event, along with tips to make the most out of the experience so you can empower your cable knitting know-how! Get my FREE 5-step recipe to tap into your skills and talents to finally start a purpose-driven creative business! Download the audio training now: http://www.KaraGottWarner.com/SecretSauce

  Get your free audiobook download and free 30 day trial of audible by visiting this link!  Knitting Segments Show-Ready Knits   Camp Wilkerson by Caitlyn Hunter   Elefante by Susan B. Anderson Empire Waist Cardigan by Susan B. Anderson Ellie the Elephant Baby Booties by Olivia Kent     Featuring the Roll-Top Booties for the bootie     Auditioning Knits I'm looking for a sweater for some Berroco worsted weight yarn that I just ripped from my Ice Shanty project that has been languishing for a while.    Wings by Amanda Woeger   Worsted Boxy by Joji Locatelli   Madison by Martha Storey   All the Love by Joji Locatelli   Rhapsody in Cables by Joji Locatelli   Seam on Seam by Veera Valimaki    Knitting News, Notes and Events PalKal 2018 Basic Rules   Official cast on/bind off dates: June 15-August 15 One part of your project must be from a podcaster. The podcaster has to have produced an episode within the last year, so no retired podcasts, sorry. No yardage requirement. Your finished object can be entered more than once if more than one element is from a podcaster. You cannot reuse a project bag for multiple entries. The same applies for patterns, stitch markers, etc. Entries must be put into the finished object threads. Each element of the project that qualifies gets it's own entry. When you post an FO, please tell us what element qualifies for the PALKAL and which podcast you are supporting. Feel free to ask me questions on the Ravelry group forum for PALKAL Chatter. Check out all of the information and links to our sponsors in the Ravelry group!    For all PalKal related discounts, the code is the same: Palkal2018      Top Billing Sponsors: Janis Ficker, Carolina Fiber Girls CC and Dami Almon/JavaPurl Designs, Geeky Girls Suzanne, Two Tangled Skeins Knitting Daddy Greg, Unraveling Podcast Sarah Schira, Imagined Landscapes Jennifer Lassonde, Down Cellar Studio Monique Leonard/Windswept Designs, Knitting on the Run Vivian and Alysin/Pearl and Plum, Keep Calm and Carry Yarn Kristi, In a Sknit Podcast Cameo Sponsors Susie White/Prairie Girls Designs/Prairie Girls Knit and Spin Melinda, Yarnderwoman Podcast   Producing Sponsors:  Bijou Basin Ranch  Queen City Yarn  Never Not Knitting  Daizie Knits  Love Knitting   Knitting Podcast Spotlight Ewe University hosted by Kristine Kelly   Check out her Etsy shop, Halcyarn.   Non-Knitting Segments   Instant Success Instant Pot Spicy Pineapple Chicken Tacos   Love it or Leave it Love: Anne with an E on Netflix   Leave: Summer Break is almost over   Other News and Notes Healthy Choices: I've been doing Weight Watchers and attending the meetings regularly and I've been very successful.   Books: Get your free audiobook download and free 30 day trial of audible by visiting this link!   

RSK 532 This week, Kathy is chatting with our favorite Berroco rep, Andra Asars! Listen to hear more about the AMAZING collection of new yarns Berroco has for fall 2018! And don't miss Steve's Yarn Picks of the Week! (Running Time 28:00)

RSK 517 This week, Kathy is talking to one of our dearest friends, Berroco rep Andra Asars all about Berroco's Spring 2018 collection. Listen to hear more about all of the fantastic new yarns, as well as a special announcement from Kathy! And don't miss Steve's Yarn Picks of the Week! (Running Time 28:00)

Episode 31 KAL, Wips, Out and About, Knitting Fail, Spinning On the Run   KAL – Thank you very much to those of you who participated!  Our group may be small, but as Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Knitting Travels – a copy of the Reflections of the Sun hat designed and donated by Leah Bothe Java Jennie - Any 1 single pattern of your choice from the JavaPurl Designs Ravelry storedonated by CC Almon DMBrown – Gradient kit of your choice from Birdie’s Knits LeahBothe – Any 1 single pattern of your choice from the Knit/Wit Designs Ravelry Store donated by Sarah Jordan Should we do this again?  What time of year? Wips Frosted by Paper Daisy Creations, finished the colorwork yoke on the way to/from Vogue (you get a lot done with 4 hours each way on a train), body nearly done – on the bottom ribbing. Star Wars sweater for Thing 1 - Using Nordic Yoke Pullover, a free pattern from Patons, as the base and altering the charts to have Star Wars characters/spaceships/icons.  I separated for the sleeves and am working on the stockinette body Vanilla sock in Berroco Comfort Sock in Bali colorway.  Still chugging along at this 2+ year old WIP, it’s my car knitting. Dahlia pattern by Brenda York from Berroco – working on this in Juniper Moon Farm’s Neve in a variety of colorways.  Turquoise main body, with a mint green for the flower vines and yellow and burgundy Emerald Deep shawl – this shawl is a charity knit for AGC Scholarships, a group that raises money for families dealing with infertility or who are trying to adopt.  Worked in Ito Yarn’s Kinu, 100% silk.  Kinu has a colorway, Aqua, which is almost the exact color of AGC’s logo so it was too perfect not to use.  The shawl will be auctioned off at AGC’s annual gala to raise money.  If you or someone you love would like to learn more about AGC, visit agcscholarships.org Use Your Stash Shawl Oh my gooness you guys!  Can’t thank you enough for your reaction to the Use Your Stash Shawl!  Hot RIght Now on Ravelry??!!?  Wow, thank you so much. Out and About – Vogue Knitting Live! NYC! I had a blast at Vogue.  It’s very different than other knitting events I’ve been to, and it was soooooo much fun.  I basically went for the day.  I took the late train down Thursday after my husband got out of work and got to NYC around 11pm and checked into my hotel.  I should have stayed onsite, I forgot just how bad the hotel I stayed at was.  Remember in NYC, you get what you paid for.  My room was literally 85 degrees.  But it was clean, the shower worked, and the door locked. I woke up early to the sounds of NYC, had breakfast at the hotel, checked out and dropped my rollerboard at the back drop at my hotel and walked up to the Marriot Marquis.  Since I signed up early, registration took about 2 minutes and I was off to class.  I took the designer intensive with Josh Bennett.  He’s designed sweaters for Tommy Hilfiger, Bergdorf and is currently designing hand-knit sweaters for Marvel – they were gorgeous, by the way.  I’ll admit the class wasn’t what I expected but ironically it was exactly what I needed.  We spent the day designing a line of patterns and presenting them.  Having hours to just brainstorm, then talking with Josh one-on-one for a few minutes about my patterns was completely worth it.   Then off to the market for 90 minutes before running to catch the late train home. Now that I’ve been there once, I know how I would change my plans in the future - next time I will be staying on site and spending 2 nights (or more) so I can get at least a moderate amount of sleep.  Knitting Fail Not a fail in the traditional sense, but definitely a minor fail for the Emerald Deep shawl for AGC Scholarships.  I thought the gala was in May and I was planning on designing a shawl and giving profits to AGC – until on Martin Luther King Jr Day I learned that the gala was in March.  DOh!  So, I chose the Emerald Deep by Romi Hill since I’ve worked it before and I know it would work well in the chosen yarn. Spinning I finished the second single I mentioned last episode and plied them together – I needed to find a better way to ply.  Since I only had one spindle, I used a ball winder to wind each cop off the spindle into a center-pull ball and and plied them using the center pulls.  I ended up with 135 yards of a two ply of the brown and white spun together.  And since the white cotton was much better spun as a single, I got nearly 37 yards of a two-ply yarn out of the leftovers!  And since then, I got a 2nd spindle, spun naturally greem cotton and some dyed gray cotton and plied them together using a drop spindle.  Drop spindling is a completely different beast!  The green is fun because if you add Washing Soda when you scour it, it changes color!  We made a fund chemistry experiment with it for Thing 1. Before: After: Before: After:   On the Run – Not much new running, I’m on the 3rd week of my slow-and-steady training plan.  Legs are holding up well, though I’m getting knots in my calves for some reason.  My knee is also holding up, and Thing 2 and I have come to a truce – I carry him down the outside stairs and he walks up them.  He’s learning numbers and I’ve made it into a counting game which he loves.  

My new shawl design, Skagen Shawl, has been published by Berroco in the collection, Portfolio, V 5. Join me in a Skagen KAL in February. My husband joins me this week to chat about crafty pursuits. Kindly sponsored by Quince & Co and KnitCircus Yarns. I am also a Craftsy Affiliate. Please consider visiting my web site before purchasing a Craftsy class or materials as I receive credit for it. Thank you! This episode is also supported by two local yarn shops, The Fiber Universe and Le Mouton Rouge Knittery Show notes are found at www.knittingpipeline.com. Haste ye back!

Episode 29 – Happy New Year! Wips, Knitting Fail, Pattern Acquisition, On The Run FO Mahalo Socks by Dana Gervais – on the 2nd sock in CoBaSi by Hikoo and progressing nicely Hibernatum hat by Talitha Kuomi – full disclosure, I know Talitha, we’re part of the same knitting group at our recently closed LYS and she is an amazing human being and also a very talented designer.  I’ve never knit one of her patterns before, so when I stumbled upon her Hibernatum hat designed for Alpaca yarn while trying to find a hat to knit with my Criativ DK, an alpaca blend, it was too perfect not to choose!  Oh, and it’s a free pattern put out by Classic Elite so go knit this yourself. It would totally work with other fibers too.  I cast this hat on Christmas Eve and it’s rather potato chippy because it’s a knit row followed by a simple pattern row and I kept wanting to knit just one more row. Wips Frosted Sweater by Paper Daisy Creations, my Christmas cast on – a snowflake-patterned colorwork yoke sweater.  She used a gradient mini kit so the snowflakes go from light to dark using 5 colors of a warm blue with a green tint to it on a white background. I found 2 skeins of Debbie Bliss Amalfi in Pale Blue and Denim and also a skein of Hempathy by Elsebeth Lavold in a color just between those two shades so I’m only using 3 colors and I’m hoping I might have enough to make the matching hat.   Plain Vanilla sock in Berroco Comfort Sock in the Bali colorway.  I started this pair of socks 2 years ago and got Second Sock Syndrome.  It’s now my purse knitting so I’m hoping to finish them this winter.  I’m on the second foot, going toe-up with an afterthought heel. Lush by Tin Cast Knits, my New Years Day cast on Knitting Fail Frosted Sweater – take 2.  I did run into one issue with this sweater.  The Medium would probably fit well if I got gauge, but I have 24 sts per 4 inches instead of 25 which gives me an extra 1.8 inches around the bust in size Medium…  that’s just too much.  Plus, after trying it on the collar is too wide for a New England winter.  So I did the math and I’m going to knit the small but add one pattern repeat of the snowflakes which will give me an extra 12 sts around the bust which, if my gauge holds true, should give me a perfect fit, not too tight, not too loose. Had to tink back 4 rows on my second Mahalo sock – note to self, don’t start gusset increases while making dinner when boys are cranky.  While the gusset increases themselves came out fine, I totally screwed up the lace pattern, by 2 rows, then dropped a stitch and had to tink back to more to fix the now-wobbly looking increases. Pattern acquisition Berroco had a pattern sale this past week – one free pattern per person and I picked up the Dahlia shawl by Brenda York, a worsted weight colorwork shawl, experienced level, by a new-to-me designer (never bought a Berroco pattern before, though I love some of their yarns).  It’s gorgeous and there are no projects on Ravelry!  Looking forward to making mine the first. Vanilla is the New Black by Anneh Fletcher – I’m finding purl bumps uncomfortable and I heard this pattern is reversible, so I want to give it a try! On The Run Still No running for a while – it hurts my back, but walking does not, soooo…. I’m going to train to walk a half marathon in September!  I’ve set up a very gradual training plan to slowly work up to 13.1 miles over 9 months and I’m going to take you on that journey with me.  I’ve found  a half marathon in Salem, MA with both runner and walker divisions, so it’ll be perfect whether or not I get to start running between now and then.    

Segments include: Be  Helper craft-a-long, FOs, Wips, Wearables, Knitting Fail and Knitting Talk Y’all knit when you’re stressed, too, right?  I don’t want to get into the details but it has been a very stressful week at our house, luckily with mostly good outcomes.  Let’s just say that the the least crappy thing was being a cloth diaper family and having our washing machine break.  Pun intended.  Because I had diapers that needed washing. The result being, I did LOTS of knitting the last 2 weeks. Also, I am getting a cold as you probably hear in my voice.  I don’t want to push this recording any later since I skipped last week due to sick kids and I have a feeling this cold will be worse tomorrow… Be A Helper Craft-a-long In case you missed it, I’m hosting a charity craft a long.  You can get entries by 1) donating blood or 2) making ANYthing for ANY charity.  No FOs in the thread so far!  I know lots of you craft for charity regularly so go ahead and enter – you do NOT need to be a member of my Ravelry group to win.  I honestly don’t care if you join or not, my only goal with the KAL is to encourage others to stop feeling frozen with all the crazy, hard stuff going on in the world and give you an impetus to go out and help others. FOs Knitted knocker in Cascade Ultra Pima in ivory.  I made size C using top-down magic loop pattern.  Visit KnittedKnockers.org to learn more about the great work they do and see a list of approved yarns. 3 preemie hats using Java Purl Design’s Top-Down Preemie Hat pattern – free on Ravelry – in Caron Simply Soft Paints 1 preemie hat also using Java Purl’s pattern using Loops & Threads Another Itty Bitty Kitty preemie hat, the same test knit pattern in the Maldives colorway of Berroco comfort sock Wips Emerald Deep by Romi Hill – finished charts B, C & D.  Halfway through E.  Finished that Irish-style lace section I mentioned.  It was lots of fun but you have to place close attention because it’s knit lace on both sides – no rest rows.  Gift for my cousin’s wife for Christmas in Prism Delicato Layers in Kale colorway.  Only 30 rows left! Lillesand cowl by Monika Eckhert, working on this in some deep stash, Cascade Yarn’s Sateen in a burgundy-red color and Rozetti Yarns Soft Payette in white with a few sequins for sparkle here and there – got a few more rows done on this cowl for my aunt for Christmas Toe-up Vanilla Socks with an afterthought heel for Thing 2 – first sock done, about to reach the heel on sock 2; looking to make 4 for him for Christmas in Plymouth Yarns Diversity Wearables Heat wave here in New England most of October! Marshes Cabled Sleeveless Shell – one of my first patterns released.  Need to go grade it for larger sizes and get it re-tech edited.  Will let y’all know when that happens Mommy’s Tunic – Juniper Moon Farm’s Neve in Blue Knitting Fail That sweater got shrunk in the dryer!  We went a little crazy washing stuff after we got the new washing machine and my husband tossed the cotton tunic in the dryer and it shrunk.  So I gave it to my LYS to model the yarn since I bought it there.  Knitting Talk To design or just knit a shawl for AGC Scholarships?  AGC is run by a woman I went to high school with who chnoicled her battle with infertility on her blog, later published as the book Infertility Inferschmility which you should definitely check out if infertility is something you or a loved one has been dealing with.  Also - what color?  Black to go with Everything?  Or use their turquoise logo color? Or perhaps a gradient kit - they look so impressive to non-knitters :)  

Episode 23 – 9/25/17 Knitting and running in 30 minutes or less Topics this week include FO, Wips, Out and About, On the Run FO Itty Bitty Kitty Preemie Hat test knit from Sarah Jordan, aka Knit Wit.  To fit 2-3lb baby hat worked in Berroco Comfort Sock Wips Emerald Deep by Romi Hill – finished charts B & C, started chart D.  Finished that Irish-style lace section I mentioned.  It was lots of fun but you have to place close attention because it’s knit lace on both sides – no rest rows.  Gift for my cousin’s wife for Christmas in Prism Delicato Layers in Kale colorway Another Itty Bitty Kitty preemie hat, the same test knit pattern in the Maldvies colorway of Berroco comfort sock Lillesand cowl by Monika Eckhert, working on this in some deep stash, Cascade Yarn’s Sateen in a burgundy-red color and Rozetti Yarns Soft Payette in white with a few sequins for sparkle here and there – got a few more rows done on this cowl for my aunt for Christmas Hitchiker by Martina Behm in Ito Yarn’s Kinu, 100% silk – still plugging away at this a few rows a week.  It’s my purse knitting Knitted Knocker in Cascade Ultra Pima – literally just cast this on waiting for my toddler to fall asleep so I can record this show – visit their website at www.knittedknockers.org Knitting Talk Fit and Ease Ease - how much extra room (or lack thereof) do you want in your garment?  An inch or so of ease will be a fitted garment but the material will not stretch to fit you.  Negative ease, where the material is actually less around than your body, will give you a very fitted garment where the material itself is stretching to fit around your body – think a typical sock. 2-3 inches of you will give you a comfortable fit without feeling fitted. 4 inches or so and we’re getting more into loose-fitting cardigans and approaching boyfriend sweater territory.  Some of the huge boxy sweaters out there these days may have as much as 8 inches of ease to give you that boxy effect. Out and About Rhinebeck!  I’m headed to Rhinebeck for the day via the bus from Webs.  Gonna be a long day – I have a grad school reunion at the MFA in Boston the night before then I have to leave my house around 5-5:30am to drive to Webs. I cannot wait!  The artichoke line was waaaay too long by the time I found it so I hope to grab one of those earlier in the day.  I’ll be at the podcaster meetup, of course, and probably at the Ravelry meetup too.  I’m also hoping to locate the bag check this year – missed it last year, but I’ll have a big ‘ol day pack with me for the bus and car ride.  On the plus side, with a minimum of 4 hours on the bus I should get a bit of knitting done that day! On the Run After walking to school for 3 weeks today I started a Galloway-style run-walk-run on the way home and it felt good.  Rolled out my quads, IT bands and solias muscles, which have been cranky with the sudden mileage increase, but they felt OK too.  Will try again in a couple of days. Mileage Increases – keep it low, keep it slow As I mentioned last week, I broke one of the cardinal rules of running by suddenly drastically increasing my mileage by walking my son to kindergarten.  That’s an additional 3 miles or so per day for me.  Now, we mitigated this by not walking every single day – we’re averaging about 3 days a week and some days we only walk one way and not the other.   But this is a huge faux pas and something even us veteran runners forget. If you’re new to running, an important rule to remember is to keep your mileage increases small, no more than 10% increase per week.  This is super important because most injuries are directly linked to increasing intensity or duration of exercise too much too soon. Now, let’s unpack this statement – this does not mean you should increase your mileage by 10% every week – on the contrary if you look into the data, most folks should be increasing your mileage by a MAXIMUM of 5-10% every OTHER week.  You should also be incorporating rest weeks where you run less than your baseline, or average weekly miles.  The reason for all this is your body needs time to adjust to the changes your asking of it. Particularly when starting out, don’t plan on increasing mileage or speed any time soon.  Listen to your body.  Take more rest weeks if you need it, or put mile increases off till next week if your body is feeling off.  The whole point is to start running or increase running without injury and that means giving yourself time to adapt.  If you have existing injuries, then you REALLY need to take it slow.  Thinking of starting a couch-to-5k program?  You can plan on repeating the 1st week 3 times to give your chronic issues time to adapt slowly.  Or something I did when I did my marathon training I took the marathon training plan and slowed it down by adding more rest weeks because I knew my body and knew that I had to be careful of asking too much of it too soon. To sum up – take it slow and stay injury free.  

Episode 22 -  9/20/17 Today’s topics include Wips, Knitting Fail, Knitting Chat: The Importance of Taking Measurements and On the Run: Foam Rolling Thanks for your patience this week!  This is the 3rd time I’ve tried to record.  Any of you who’ve ever lived with a 2-year old can appreciate why I only record when he’s asleep so you can imagine what this week has been like! And to top it off the boys had stolen my pop filter to play with – finally found it around 10pm last night buried under a blanket. Also, thanks for the kind concern about my in-laws.  They are fine after Irma.  Since it swung west it nearly hit them directly buy it had weakened some.  They lost power for a long time and had three trees crash across their rather long driveway but they cut a path out through the worst and were able to leave the house soon after.  I truly hope that you and all your loved ones are safe, be it from Irma, Harvey, Maria, the fires out west, the Mexico earthquakes, the flooding last month in Nepal and India or whatever chaos may be happening in your part of the world.  Please stay safe. Wips Second Grace by Bristol Ivy in Berroco’s Modern Cotton, 99% complete. Need to weave in ends, and take some pictures. Lillesand by Monika Eckhert, working on this in some deep stash, Cascade Yarn’s Sateen in a burgundy-red color and Rozetti Yarns Soft Payette in white with a few sequins for sparkle here and there.  It’s a Christmas gift for my aunt who loves true, deep reds. Emerald Deep by Romi Hill – a shawl designed for green yarn and I have some Prism Delicato Layers I bought a few years ago to make a gift for my cousin’s wife, then found out I was pregnant with baby #2 and it got put on hold.  But it is sooooo perfect for this pattern.  Shawl has a lace version of Celtic knotwork and I can’t wait to get to that part. I am halfway through Chart 2 and the “knotwork” is Chart 3 – so close! Itty Bitty Kitty – test knit for Sarah Jordan a new friend I met at SSK this summer and a great designer.  It’s a sock-weight preemie hat and I am nearly done with the ribbing.  Knitting this up in Berroco Comfort Sock which leads to my (sort of)… Knitting Fail 4:30 More of a parenting fail involving yarn, but work with me here.   I started the Itty Bitty Kitty preemie had at the opposite end of a skein of yarn that has a partial 2nd sock on it.  No biggie.  Until my 2 year old got a hold of it.  Now I have complete yarn chaos and I am now alternating between unravelling the awful mess and knitting up what I just unraveled. Knitting Chat Today I want to talk about measuring yourself.  The keys to knitting a garment that fits you perfectly are 1) a good gauge swatch and 2) accurate measurements of your body. You really need someone else to help you with this.  When you try to measure yourself you actually shift your body and that can affect your measurements.  I can’t stress enough how important it is to have someone ELSE take your measurements.  In the shownotes I am linking to an old Lion Brand Yarns blog post that has lots of great pictures showing you exactly where and how to take 14 different measurements, including bust, waist, hips, arm length and armhole depth, all of which are critical to making sure a garment fits YOUR body.  So get a buddy, a tapemeasure and a piece of paper and pen and go take YOUR measurements before you knit another garment. Bust – fullest part of your bust Waist – natural waist, not where your pants sit.  If you’re unsure, bend sideways and see where your body creases, that’s usually a good indicator Hips – measure around the widest part of the hips, usually around 8” [20cm] below your natural waist Armhole depth - Measure from the top outside edge of the shoulder down to the armpit.  Upper arm – the widest part of your arm, above the elbow Cross back – measure from shoulder to shoulder across your back – since many of us have rounded shoulders, this will be larger than if you take the measurement in the front. And in case you’re wondering why no pattern ever seems to fit you perfectly as-written, I am also linking to Craft Yarn Council’s sizing chart so you can see what numbers designers are (often) expected to use. Womens.  Mens.  Kids.  And because it bears repeating – get someone to help you to! On the Run Today we’re still talking about injury prevention and I want to discuss a pro-active technique you can use to help yourself: Foam Rolling.  Foam rolling is a type of self-massage where you use a tool, in this case a large foam cylinder, to release knots in the muscle and tight areas in your fascia, which is like a membrane over your muscles that sort of holds you together. Foam rolling in it’s essence is quite simple.  You use your own body weight and a foam roller to carefully put pressure on the knots and tight places.  This helps improve blood flow and increase your range of motion when the tight places in your fascia start behaving like their normal, stretchy selves again.  Foam rolling can be uncomfortable, but it should not be excruciating.  I’ve been guilty of this myself - if you’re gasping in pain (for me it’s rolling out IT bands) you’re doing it wrong – lift some of your weight up off the roller or attack the knot more gently.  If you are getting sharp pains, SEE A DOCTOR.  Afterwards you may find some of those areas a little tender, or even itchy, this is normal.  Give those spots a day or two to recover before you roll out again.  Itching is actually a good sign, it’s a sign of increased blood flow.  Do NOT foam roll over joints – at best it does no good, at worst you can hurt yourself.  Stick to rolling out your soft tissue.  If you need to roll out your back (I find this soooo helpful after hefting a 30lb toddler around every day) – make sure you angle yourself slightly so you’re rolling either one side of your back muscles or the other and do NOT roll straight up your spine. I’m linking to a recent podcast by the new Get Fit Guy, Brock Armstrong, all about foam rolling.  You can read his transcript and find links to the studies he mentions which I don’t have time to get into here.  I’m also linking to a Runner’s World article which has videos showing you how to foam roll different muscles properly.  Lastly I’m linking to a study from the National Institutes of Health that quantified how foam rolling helped the participants.  In summation, foam rolling is a technique that you can use yourself to help release tention in your muscles and fascia and prevent future injuries.  

RSK 493 This week, Kathy talks with Andra Asars about four new Berroco yarns for fall. And don't miss Steve's Yarn Picks of the Week.(Running Time 28:00)

First as a freelancer for yarn companies and knitting magazines; then as the design director at JCA and more recently, as the design director at Berroco where she headed up the design team and published sixteen eponymous booklets. Norah’s upbringing, schooling and experience coalesce in her two hardcover volumes Knitting Nature and Norah Gaughan’s Knitted Cable Sourcebook. Her most recent publication is “Framework” 10 architectural knits in Quince & Co linen yarns. Listen Live for chance to win great prizes! Stay up to date with the Yarn Thing podcast with the App available on iTunes and for Droid.Find our more about Marly at www.MarlyBird.com or follow her on Facebook Sponsored by:  Red Heart YarnsSTITCHES.eventsCraftsyErin.Lane BagsCreativebugBuffalo Wool Co.

In this episode, I'm chatting with Norah Gaughan who is perhaps best known for her book Knitting Nature and a nine year stint as Design Director at Berroco. Today, Norah works as an independent designer, with her current ventures including: being a member of the Brooklyn Tweed Design Team and designing a collection of pieces in collaboration with The Fibre Co. In my own knitting journey, I first stumbled across Norah in the book: Knitting in America. I so captivated by her story because it was at that time that I knew I wanted to embark on a career in the needle arts, and it's one of the earliest books I acquired on the subject of what it means to be a knitwear designer, and reading Norah's story set a fire inside of me, which is why I'm so honored to have Norah on Power Purls! To read the show notes: www.powerpurlspodcast.com/007-norah-gaughan/ To listen to more episodes like this: www.powerpurlspodcast.com To subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/power-purls-podcast/id1043956186

The I Flunked the Written Cowl for the Sunnydale Yarn Club This episode is sponsored by the new and improved Dizzy Blonde Studios. Check out our new website at www.dizzyblondestudios.com Catching Up: (00:55) Laura was at Alamitos Bay Yarn Company for meet and greets for the Los Angeles Yarn Crawl. We mention Trendsetter Yarns, Baah Yarn, and Reywa Fibers. She got to take a day off and go to Disneyland, where she got to meet Thor and see a lot of props from the Marvel Universe movies. She's on Round 3 of her final Nerd Wars tournament for a while. She is still working out some of the bugs for the new Dizzy Blonde Studios website. She will use her Etsy shop for patterns and clearance yarns and one-off skeins. She's also fighting a cold. Jen was at the Craftcation Conference in Ventura. She stayed at a hotel right on the water. She loves Ventura. And she took a cookingclass with Aida Mollenkamp. She learned to make preserved lemons, took a drawing class, took workshops on branding, social media, and blogs, got to listen to Melanie Falick on a panel, did some embroidery classes (and got embroidery kits from Ugly Baby and La Ru (with patterns from Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching). She's reading Swamplandia!. She's working on a monologue from the play Educating Rita for her acting class. And she's going to write on her blog more. And she released a a pattern! It's currently exclusive for the Sunnydale Yarn Club, but in six months, you can buy it. In the Knitting Bag: (15:53) Laura is working on the left hand version of the Hand to Hold Dishcloth by Rachel van Schie. She has done the right hand square in Berroco Vintage DK in blue. She is also working on a blanket square using the Fruity Oaty Bar Chart by Elizabeth Herac out of Berroco Comfort in a sage green. She is working on her vintage man sock in Lambie Toes in the color No Touching Guns. And she's continuing to work on the Broncos hat for her brother out of Knitpicks Brava in blue, orange, and cream. And she has put a few leaves on her Leftie by Martina Behm, out of a Miss Babs kit in slate and reds. Jen is also working on a Leftie out of Knitpicks Palette in Cream, Rouge, Spearmint, and Aster. She is very happy that she went stashdiving. She is working on a Leah's Lovely Cardigan out of Malabrigo sock in Eggplant. She is working on her Rocky Coast Cardigan by Hannah Fettig out of Fibre Company Organik in Highlands.  She regrets not doing the sleeves before she finished the body, so there is less to flip (something she learned fromThe Knitmore Girls), because the body of this sweater is heavy. We mention Melissa's custom colorway from the Loopy Ewe. Finished Objects: (26:36) Laura finished the right hand Hand to Hold Blanket Square, the Leaf on the Wind "Wash Cloth" by Becca out of Berroco comfort worsted. Jen finished her 2x2 ribbed scarf out of Patons Wool Classic in the colorway Kimono for the charity Interval House. Devil's Tower: (28:45) Laura has been really good about pulling things out of the Devil's Tower. Jen's Rocky Coast Cardigan is hovering around Devil's Tower. And her Watership Down KAL shawl is Devil's Tower because she doesn't have the brain power for it right now. Frog Pond: (30:55) Jen has been lucky, but Laura has not been. Laura frogged her initial Bronco's hat because the pattern with the stripes was looking too feminine. In addition, she put a knot in at the color change and the knot came undone and it unraveled. Plus, she couldn't figure out a way to do the color changes she liked, so she frogged it and started over in a new pattern of her own making. On Deck: (33:20) After Nerd Wars, Laura plans on making an Effortless Cardigan by Hannah Fettig out of Dizzy Blonde Sock in Timey Wimey (TARDIS Blue). She also will be making some more blanket squares for Nerd Wars. Jen kind of wants to re-make her Sweetheart of the Rodeo cardigan, because it's knit at a small gauge in high twist yarn (Wollmeise DK). She may just cut out the colorwork and re-do it as embroidery. Or maybe she will re-make a new one out of fingering weight. She wants to make the Chickadee from Ysolda’s book Little Red in the City in Quince and Company Chickadee in Slate, Egret, Lichen, and Rosa Rugosa.  She also wants to make a Lauriel Cardigan (also by Ysolda and from Little Red in the City) out of Wollmeise DK in Pesto.and a pair of Water for the Elephants socks by Rose Hiver in some Knitpicks Stroll in a bare (natural) and Summer Blooms (pink).  She also has an idea for some mitts with jacaranda blossoms embroidered on them. We mention Celestarium and Southern Skies by Audrey Nicklin. Knit Culture: (40:06) We answer a question from our Knotty Talk Thread. knitallthestuff asks Here’s one that falls more under “discussion topic” than “request for help/info”. When selecting what patterns to knit/crochet and which ones to do next, how do you juggle all the conflicting desires/intentions: 1. OMG, SHINY! Must. Make. Now. 2. I should do this now, so I can get some use out of it before next year. 3. It would be really nice to have this, but I should wait until X date (see #2). 4. Other deadlines, whether externally- or self-imposed (Christmas, Birthdays, Ravellenics). 5. That skein of ___ is calling to me from my stash. I must use it and love it and call it George. We answer, but we want to know what you think. We come up with the overall answer of "it depends on the mood and the pattern." We both determine that we are more motivated by the pattern than the yarn. Laura has had a great need for deadline work for Nerd Wards and booth samples. Jen takes the cast on time into account. We mention a bunch of patterns, including Yggdrasil and the The Princess Shawl. But we really want to know about your motivations. So let us know in the Ravelry thread for this episode. We also announce prizes for the overall Podcaster Throwdown. PlainJayne12 knit the most hats overall (for Team Sock-a-holic). The most prolific knitter for Team KnottyGirls was Karen E. They both win an "Almost the Works Package" for any Stitches event in 2014 or 2015, donated by XRX Books. Carrie M. of The Yarn Sellar contributed the most hats overall. She got the residents of a correctional facility to knit and donate 99 hats for Team Craftlit. She wins a membership to the second patrol of the Sunnydale Yarn Club donated by Dizzy Color. Robdob contributed the most virtual hats. She raffled off a shawl and donated the proceeds to Team Sock-a-holic. She wins a prize package consisting of a 40th Anniversary Large Eden Drawstring Bag from Della Q, 1 Set each Knitters Pride Dreamz US Size 5 in 24” & 40”, Valley Yarns Pattern Series Snowdrop Baby Blanket, and 10 balls Valley Yarns Longmeadow in Natural, donated by WEBS. Our team MVP is Peggy Baxter (pbaxter), president of ESSS, who was such an enthusiastic supporter. She wins a two-year subscription to Knitter's Magazine, donated by XRX Books. Random Drawings: 4 Mini-skein samplers donated by Skeindalous Yarns 1. Estella A 2. Meshuggeknitter 3. Bluesjules 4. Seajaneknit 5 skeins Blondee Merino/Superfine Alpaca blend donated by Dizzy Blonde Studios 1. Kim Rennick 2. indigodogmt 3. CrispyBacon 4. JudithLee 5. Mary 3 Books donated by Heather Ordover of Craftlit 1. What would Madame Defarge Knit?--Edith 2. What else would Madame Defarge Knit?--Susan from Brea 3. Grounded--Barbula 2 skeins of 100% Yak Yarn donated by Bijou Basin Ranch 1. Dark Blue--Glenda from Fullerton 2. Light Sandy Brown--knitsnhikes 1 4oz./100g. Skein Skeindalous Joi Sport 100% BFL in Candy Floss donated by Skeindalous Yarns--Barbula A copy of History on Two Needles donated by Annie Modesitt--Ruth L A digital pattern collection of Marly Bird's patterns donated by Marly Bird herself--Karen E 3 Needle Cases donated by Knit Totes 1. RKSmom 2. Fred from ESSS 3. afreyedknot 2 50-gram skeins FibraNatura 100% linen donated by Laura 1. Regatta color--Shanda S 2. Purple color--KnittyBarb A Project Back Pack donated by the KnottyGirls Knitcast--E Gould 3 Knit stitch marker sets donated by the KnottyGirls Knitcast 1. k8erpillar 2. Kay from Ladera Ranch 3. scmusicals 2 Crochet stitch marker sets donated by the KnottyGirls Knitcast 1. ariane 2. Lifewithmonkey Thank you so much to all the prize doners, to everyone who contributed hats (virtual or real) or gave someone yarn to knit hats or contributed in any way. You all did an amazing thing for Halos of Hope. Geek Culture: (1:01:01) We talk about knitting webcomics. We mention Worsted for Wear and Knit Princess. We love both of them. Jen also mentions other webcomics she loves: Questionable Content and xkcd. And we want to know what cool stuff you find on the internet. So we started a thread in our Ravelry group where you can post any cool knitting-related or geek-related things you find on the internet. Share the love. Events: (1:05:29) Signups for Patrol 2 of the Sunnydale Yarn Club will start April 17th and close on May 2nd. There are 32 spots in the club; if more than 32 people sign up, names will be drawn for the spots on May 5th. First installment will go out in June. Pricing, details, and the signup form are at dizzycolor.wordpress.com We are planning an event for World Wide Knit In Public Day. Details to follow, but our event will be either June 21 or June 22. We are both going to the CogKNITive retreat run by Dr. Gemma of the CogKNITive Podcast on July 25. Jen will be at the Retzlaff Winery Fleeces, Food, and Fun event on June 7th. We also mention Pear Pie with Red Wine and Rosemary. Thanks for listening to our 25th episode. Our next milestone prize will be at 1000 members, so join the Ravelry Group. And don't forget to post your finished April projects in the April Thread. You can win yarn!

Show Notes:No finished objects.Works In Progress -Amy's purple zebra socks - plain stockinette sock with afterthought heel in Paton's sock yarn. Hermione's Everyday Socks - in my hand-dyed yarn. Baby Sweater Dress - in Bernat Lemon Pie TKGASS square 1 for mystery swap partner.Acquisitions - Green Yarn Sale at LYS!Kraemer Sterling Estate Green sock yarnPlymouth Yarn company emerald green worstedBerroco Vintage in a pea green colorBerroco sox in blue/green color 1441Cascade Yarns Lana Bamboo in greenCotton Tails cotton yarn in a lime green (3 balls)Hiya Hiya Sharps in US 6 16" cableKnit Picks US 7 straight in Harmony woodFitness -lots of yard work and I am more sore than if I had been working out at the gym!

Kathy talks with Berroco rep Andra Asars. (Running Time 28:00)

The wedding is over!  Aj get back to knitting on the Daybreak shawl by Stephen West,  Drinks several pots of Zhena's Gypsy tea, wears a ball of felted fiber on her head, and take a look at the grail of plus Size knitting Big Girl Knits by Jillian Moreno and Amy R Singer.

Kathy & Steve talk with Andra from Berroco. (Running Time 28:05)

Kathy & Steve talk with Berroco rep Andra Asars. Kathy & Pixie start the next KAL.. (Running Time 28:06)

Kathy & Steve talk about new Berroco yarns, new classes & the yearend sale! (Running Time 28:02)

An interview with Norah Gaughan of Berroco and Knitting Nature (Running Time 13:53)